WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Mike Carey (R-Ohio-15) and Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-California-44) introduced the bipartisan Sports Training, Recreation, and Opportunities for the Next Generation Act, or the STRONG Kids Act, to expand access to youth sports and strengthen the quality, safety, and developmental benefits of physical activity programs for kids nationwide.
The STRONG Kids Act would direct the Department of Health and Human Services to establish a competitive grant program for national and regional nonprofits or governmental organizations that run youth sports programs. The bill is designed to improve health and positive youth development outcomes by increasing access to sports for children under 18.
“Too many kids are being priced out of the playing field or don’t have access to the programs that help them grow stronger in body and character,” said Rep. Mike Carey. “The STRONG Kids Act takes a commonsense approach to expanding access to youth sports, improving safety, and helping more young people build healthy habits that last a lifetime. Every kid should have the opportunity to play, learn, and be part of a team. I want to thank Representative Barragán for joining me in this effort.”
“Every child deserves the opportunity to be active and experience the confidence and connection that come from sports and physical activity,” said Congresswoman Barragán. “But for too many families, cost and a lack of local programs put those opportunities out of reach. The STRONG KIDS Act invests directly in organizations helping young people build healthy habits, develop teamwork and resilience, and form stronger connections with their communities.”
“FundPlay Foundation is proud to have helped develop the STRONG Kids Act and support its introduction,” said Jared Cooper, Executive Director of FundPlay Foundation. “This bill will help local organizations expand access, strengthen coaching and safety practices, and create more opportunities for young people, especially those in under-resourced communities.”
“At the YMCA, we see every day that sports and physical activity do more than keep kids healthy—they build confidence, foster meaningful relationships, and equip young people with skills they need to thrive,” said Jeff Britt, SVP of Government Relations and Policy at YMCA of the USA. “The Strong Kids Act reflects a strong bipartisan commitment to expanding access to safe, affordable opportunities to play and we’re encouraged by this investment in the health and well-being of young people.”
“The STRONG Kids Act represents an important opportunity to strengthen community-based sports programs nationwide without creating new costs for taxpayers,” said Kristine Stratton, President and CEO, National Recreation and Park Association. “Park and recreation agencies reached more than 50 million young people through affordable and accessible programs in 2025, and these agencies serve as the nation’s largest local sports network. This legislation would help expand those opportunities nationwide ensuring young people have safe, affordable places to play, grow and connect. That’s why NRPA is proud to support this legislation”
Under this legislation, HHS could award grants of up to $5M to national nonprofits or government organizations and up to $2.5M to regional nonprofits or state-based government organizations, which would then make subgrants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 to local providers. Eligible uses include reducing participation costs, expanding adaptive sports access, supporting coach training, improving safety practices, implementing SafeSport-aligned protections, and promoting positive youth development through sports.
Full text of the bill can be found here.
###